Sandhya

/ˈsɑndhyə/ noun

Definition

In Hinduism, the ritualistic prayers and purification practices performed at dawn (morning) or dusk (evening), considered sacred transition times.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'sandhyā' meaning 'junction' or 'meeting point.' The word combines 'sam' (together) and 'dhyā' (meditation), reflecting the twilight as a meeting point between night and day, darkness and light.

Kelly Says

Sandhya times—dawn and dusk—are scientifically special because your brain's circadian rhythm is most sensitive to light changes then, which is probably why so many religions worldwide (Christian monks, Islamic Fajr prayer, Jewish dawn prayers) chose these exact moments for spiritual practice.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.